The 'We Need To Talk About Kevin' star realised not everyone has maternal instincts when she gave birth to her twins Honor and Xavier13 years ago but was pleased to find she instantly warmed to her kids.

She said: "When they were born I remember very precisely looking at them and feeling I was really into them. I liked them instantly.

"But at the same time, I was aware it could have gone the other way. I had always assumed that the maternal instinct automatically kicks in, but in that instant I realised I was lucky. It happens more times than people ever admit that people are in this predicament. It's a nightmare scenario but all too real."

Tilda enjoys her own company and insists she has never felt lonely, even when growing up as the only girl in a family of four children.

She told Empire magazine: "I was by myself a fair bit, and happy being by myself. I like being solitary so therefore I like being quiet because I'm not in the habit of talking to myself."